Kolkata: The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Forum (WBJDF), which represents junior doctors protesting the recent rape-murder case at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, has announced that they will resume a complete strike across the state starting Tuesday.
In a press statement issued this morning, the WBJDF stated that they will continue their strike until the state government addresses their 10-point demands concerning safety, patient care, and the need to eliminate a culture of fear. This decision to return to a full strike follows a significant hearing at the Supreme Court regarding their concerns.
Also Read
The WBJDF had previously ended their strike on September 19 after the state government promised to enhance security measures in medical facilities and ensure a safe environment for doctors and healthcare workers. However, with their demands still unmet, the junior doctors feel they have no choice but to escalate their actions.
WBJDF said, "It has become increasingly clear to them that they have not yet secured an appropriate fear-free environment for our return to work, especially in light of the incidents like the attack on junior doctors at the School of Medicine & Sagore Dutta Hospital at Kamarhati in North 24 Parganas district on last Friday night."
“In this situation, we are compelled to return to a full cease-work starting today. Unless we receive clear action from the government on safety, patient services, and the politics of fear, we will have no choice but to continue our full strike,” the WBJDF statement read.
Among their demands are an immediate judicial process to secure justice for the victim, the immediate removal of the state health secretary, and the establishment of a centralised referral system along with a digital monitor for bed vacancies. They also call for the formation of task forces in each medical college with elected junior doctor representatives, increased police protection in hospitals, and filling vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff.
Additionally, the WBJDF demands that inquiry committees be set up in every medical college to investigate those involved in threat syndicates and ensure they are punished. A state-level inquiry committee is also sought.
Finally, they are pushing for immediate elections for student councils in all medical colleges and a thorough investigation into corruption and lawlessness within the West Bengal Medical Council and the West Bengal Health Recruitment Board.
Agency
Published: 01 Oct 2024, 09:32 am IST
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.